• Human Rights in Azerbaijan

    The government cracked down on all forms of public protest, at times violently, and imprisoned activists on politically-motivated charges. The atmosphere for journalists is hostile, and government officials continue to initiate criminal and civil libel cases against journalists. The government tightened restrictions on religious groups, and banned women from wearing head scarves in schools and universities, leading thousands to drop out. Torture and ill-treatment in police custody continue with impunity. The Baku mayor’s office has forcibly evicted thousands of residents and demolished their homes, including in a neighborhood next to the National Flag Square, where the anticipated venue for the May 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is being built.

  • Plainclothes policemen detain an opposition supporter during an anti-government protest in central Baku on May 21, 2012.
    © 2012 Reuters
    Azerbaijan: Authorities Violently Disperse Peaceful Rallies
    Azerbaijan sent an ominous message about the government’s commitment to fundamental freedoms as the police violently dispersed two peaceful protests on May 21, 2012.
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Azerbaijan

  • Azerbaijan: Authorities Violently Disperse Peaceful Rallies
    May 22, 2012
    Azerbaijan sent an ominous message about the government’s commitment to fundamental freedoms as the police violently dispersed two peaceful protests on May 21, 2012.
  • The Azerbaijanis Who Aren't Feeling the Eurovision Glow
    May 17, 2012
    We are only days away from our annual European dose of kitsch and glamour delivered wonderfully by the Eurovision song contest, coming this year to our living rooms from Baku, Azerbaijan on 26 May.
  • Azerbaijan: Free Activists, Journalists Held on Bogus Charges
    May 17, 2012
    The Azerbaijani authorities should promptly follow the May 15, 2012 release of an opposition activist by releasing others held on politically motivated charges.
  • Azerbaijan: Media Freedoms in Grave Danger
    May 3, 2012
    The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) should speak out about Azerbaijan’s appalling record on freedom of expression in the lead-up to the Eurovision Song Contest.
  • Azerbaijan: Journalist Viciously Attacked by Police
    Apr 19, 2012
    A prominent Azerbaijani journalist was viciously attacked by police and security guards on the outskirts of Baku on April 18, 2012, demonstrating the government’s ugly disregard for media freedoms in the final weeks before the Eurovision song contest is to be held in the city.
  • Armenia: Investigate Mob Attack on Local NGO
    Apr 17, 2012

    The authorities should immediately conduct a thorough investigation into an attack against a leading human rights organization in Armenia’s northern town of Vanadzor.

  • Azerbaijan: Concerns regarding Freedom of the Media and Freedom of Expression
    Apr 12, 2012
    Over 1,600 journalists from all over the world will come to Azerbaijan to cover the Eurovision Song Contest and related events in the coming months, yet Azerbaijan remains hostile towards free media and other forms of free expression. Independent journalists, human rights defenders, and others seeking to express their opinions, investigate issues of public interest, or criticize government authorities have been attacked, harassed, threatened, and imprisoned. Police have violently dispersed protests, beating and arresting peaceful demonstrators and organizers.
  • Azerbaijan: Ensure Detained Journalists Access to Lawyer, Family
    Mar 31, 2012
    The Azerbaijani authorities should immediately allow two television journalists facing criminal charges access to their lawyer and family, and transfer them to a regular detention facility.
  • Azerbaijan: Investigate Alleged Ill-Treatment by Police
    Mar 21, 2012
    The Azerbaijani authorities should thoroughly and impartially investigate the alleged beating by police of two young musicians detained during a March 17, 2012 protest in Baku and make certain there is no further ill-treatment.
  • Azerbaijan: Homeowners Evicted for City Beautification
    Feb 29, 2012
    (Baku) – The government of Azerbaijan has forcibly evicted homeowners and demolished their homes for urban development projects in Baku, the capital, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Dozens of families have been evicted from the neighborhood where the arena for the May 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is being built.
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